Del Mar to apply for permit to install parking meters near Seagrove Park

In a 4-1 vote, the council on March 17 directed staff to proceed with an application for a coastal development permit to install six parking meters on the west side of Ocean Avenue, adjacent from the park.

Staff noted the city received several calls and letters, as well as a petition, in opposition to the proposed installation of parking meters — mostly from nearby apartment residents who use the spaces. Although located by residences, the west side of the street, where the spaces are located, is not zoned residential.

“I have mixed feelings about this because I think we need more parking and this is adjacent to the park,” said Councilman Don Mosier. “It’s unfortunate that residents will be impacted by this change … but the parking problem was created before we were even incorporated as a city. These buildings were built without sufficient parking capacity.”

Councilman Terry Sinnott casted the sole dissenting vote.

“I come down on the idea that this is a residential community, primarily,” he said. “The history is interesting. The apartment complex was there prior to Seagrove Park.”

The coin and credit card meters would charge $3 for parking per hour for a maximum of four hours. Paid parking would be enforced from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

The city’s planning and community development director will hold a hearing and make a determination regarding the application.